Armed Guards are Schools' Choice, State Sen. Says

State Sen. Bob Mensch (R-24) co-sponsors legislation aimed at improving school safety in the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy.

The Pennsylvania Senate unanimously approved legislation co-sponsored by state Sen. Bob Mensch that's aimed at improving school safety, including grants for armed guards. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. The bill would expand the current Safe Schools Grant program in the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and it would establish a new grant program that would allow schools to train and hire armed guards, according to information provided about the legislation. However, the decision about whether to have armed guards would rest with the individual school districts, Mensch said. Schools also could work with local police departments for increased security, he said. Under the bill, grants also could be …

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Pa. School Safety Hearing Set by GOP Senators

A group of GOP senators will review school emergency plans

The following press release was issued by Pa. Senate Republicans: HARRISBURG - School emergency plans and security measures designed to ensure student safety and increase school-to-parent communication during an emergency will receive an in-depth review by two key Senate committees Senators Lisa Baker (R-20), Mike Folmer (R-48), and Joe Scarnati (R-25) announced. Read more: Let Teachers Carry Guns, Say 2 Pa. Lawmakers The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, chaired by Sen. Baker, and the Education Committee, chaired by Sen. Folmer, will hold the hearing from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13 in the North Office Building, Hearing Room 1, Harrisburg. Among the strategies to be discussed is a proposal by Senate…

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Moms Talk

Mom's Talk: Armed Guards in Our Schools?

Mom's Talk asks parents to tell us whether they think their children's school should have armed guards in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook tragedy

The debate over guns in schools heated up Friday as the NRA issued a sweeping call for armed guards nationwide and a group called MomsRising responded with harsh criticism of the powerful gun lobby. We'd like to hear the parents of our communities weigh in. Do you think your child's school should have armed protectors or does that idea worry you? There are strong opinions on both sides of this timely controversy. Post your comments below and you can also vote in our poll on an assault weapons ban. Our Moms Council members include: If you would like to become a part of the Moms Council and/or have ideas for future Moms Talk questions, please email jennifer.marangos@patch.com.

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Intruder Sparks Evacuation at Parkland High School

Police from throughout Lehigh County responded to an emergency report at Parkland High School Friday evening.

Updated Saturday, Sept. 15: The manhunt for an intruder at Parkland High School turned out to be a false alarm.  Law enforcement and school officials said a high school student trying to get in shape for military boot camp inadvertently triggered the massive emergency response Friday. His behavior had appeared suspicious to a Parkland teacher, but it was innocent, officials said. Updated 8 p.m, Friday, Sept. 14: Police are searching for an intruder - preliminary reports say a white man wearing camouflage pants - who fled when approached at Parkland High School, 2700 N. Cedar Crest Blvd., before 6 p.m. Friday. Traffic in that area of Cedar Crest is being diverted. All students are out of the high school and the building was locked down as …

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